China 2005: Tianjin Xiali and Hyundai Elantra take the lead

* See the Top 50 best selling models by clicking on ‘Read more’ at the end of the post *

After consolidating its growth in 2004 at +8%, the Chinese car market is back to extravagant expansion: +23% this year to reach 2.77 million units. New legislation to contain sales growth by restricting car credit has the effect of reshuffling the models ranking entirely, bringing to an end two decades of Volkswagen domination…

The disputed fight for the first place goes on all year between the Hyundai Elantra and the Tianjin Xiali, based on the Daihatsu Charade and facelifted at mid-year. The Xiali finishes the year #1 with 179,681 sales and 6.5% of the market, up 56% and the Hyundai Elantra is #2 at 176,589 units (6.4%), up 72%.

The Buick Excelle gains 3 spots to climb onto the podium at 150,859 sales (5.4%), up 64%, ahead of ex-leader the VW Jetta, #4 with sales down 8%. The Chery QQ is the best new entrant in the Top 10 in 5th place with 115,980 sales. The Honda Accord at #6 (+4%) and VW Santana at #7 (-30%) suffer from the new legislation.

Note the Nissan Tiida, launched in March, is already #1 in September with over 13,700 units sold. It finishes the year in 18th position at 55,548 sales.